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Joe Thornton: 5 best fits in NHL free agency

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 11, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his third period goal with left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his third period goal with left wing James van Riemsdyk (25) against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports) /

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs /

Toronto Maple Leafs

Perhaps the most intriguing fit for Joe Thornton are the Toronto Maple Leafs. He wouldn’t be their top priority, as a top defenseman is on top of their offseason wish list. A forward would most likely have to be traded for Thornton to make sense for the Maple Leafs. However, Toronto shouldn’t have much trouble finding a suitor for Tyler Bozak, who is a consistent producer.

Why Thornton makes sense for Toronto: The Maple Leafs are an extremely young team. This is an excellent thing, as they’re skilled, young and fast. But the Leafs could use some experience. Specifically, their phenomenal trio of Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Mitch Marner could use someone to continue to guide and mentor them. Thornton would be one heck of a guy for them to follow.

Signing him would allow the Leafs to potentially have four lines of skill, which is probably their best chance of contending for a Stanley Cup. At the very least, Thornton would make their top nine forwards even more lethal and give coach Mike Babcock more options to experiment with.

Why Toronto makes sense for Thornton: The Maple Leafs are darn good. With the right offseason moves, they could be Stanley Cup contenders as soon as next season. If Thornton wants to win a title, the Leafs are a very intriguing option. Perhaps intriguing enough to warrant him taking a discount.

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